Weight management system for obese animals

ABSTRACT

A pet food product for promoting comprehensive weight management in companion animals. The pet food includes, on a dry matter basis, about 35 to about 70% by weight of a protein, about 4 to about 10% by weight of a fat, about 5 to about 25% by weight of a fiber, about 10 to about 35% by weight of a digestible carbohydrate, and about 0.1 to about 1% by weight of a functional ingredient. In a preferred embodiment a diacylglyceride is the functional ingredient.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 10/054,093 filed on Jan. 22, 2002, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally relates to a pet food for use in a weightmanagement system for companion animals. More particularly, the weightmanagement system includes a high protein, low caloric daily diet thatincludes a functional ingredient that further modulates metabolism andbuild lean muscle mass in companion animals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In westernized societies the most prevalent form of malnutrition inhumans is over-consumption of calories resulting in excess body fat.Studies have shown that approximately 20-30% of dog and cat populationsare overweight and obese (over-fat). Obesity in domesticated dogs andcats has been linked to the development of numerous diseases includingrenal failure, diabetes, arthritis and thyroid dysfunction. Overweightdogs have an increased risk of developing transitional cell carcinoma ofthe bladder. Further, it is well established that obesity is apredisposing factor to idiopathic hepatic lipidosis in cats, however,their inability to convert dietary C18 essential fatty acids into longchain fatty acids creates a need for dietary consumption of 20 carbonlong chain fatty acids. Such a dietary requirement leaves cats extremelyvulnerable to weight disorders and weight-associated diseases such asdiabetes (Appleton et al., 2000).

Obesity generally is considered present when body weight of thecompanion pet is 15% or more greater than optimum, which is the point atwhich health problems begin increasing with increasing weight. Generallyspeaking, the incidence of obesity in domestic animals increases withage. Similar to humans, as a dog ages, body fat increases, and lean bodymass decreases. However, obesity commonly goes unnoticed by the animal'sowner and, thus, poses a life-threatening problem to domesticatedanimals.

Some pet food compositions formulated to prevent or treat obesity inanimals have been described. U.S. Pat. No. 6,071,544 teaches that aspecific combination of long chain conjugated fatty acids (0.2 to 1.5weight % of dry matter) together with up to 50% protein promotes weightloss in cats. A diet greater than about 16% by weight of animal-basedprotein is taught to reduce body fat in geriatric dogs (WO 00/51443).However, U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,755 teaches that non-meat based animal fatsin a high protein, high farinaceous diet provides an ovo or lacto-ovonutritionally balanced pet food product. U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,748describes a low calorie dog treat that is comprised primarily ofcellulose, a β-1,4-glucan that affords no nutritional value to theanimal.

Similarly, diets disclosed for the treatment of human obesity haveincluded compositions such as a concentrate that consists entirely ofnon-animal natural components, a lack of simple sugars and a flourcomprising at least 50% protein, less than 15% carbohydrates and 35 to50% plant fiber for use in the preparation of foods such as bakeryproducts (U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,364; EP 965278 A1). Such diets are notcompletely without credence because hypertension, and thus risk ofdeveloping cardiovascular disease, in obese patients have been linked todisturbances in carbohydrate metabolism (Nobels et al., 1989).

However, low caloric diets comprising increased ratios of amino acids tocarbohydrates, such as the diet taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,009,265, causeincreased blood urea concentrations. Urea is a by-product of protein oramino acid catabolism and thus is directly related to the amount ofprotein in a diet. The kidneys function to remove urea from the plasma,and in this regard high protein diets place an unusual burden on thekidneys which can lead to severe consequences over time includingdeveloping azotemia or uremia.

Also symptomatic of high protein diets is the potential to induceketosis, a condition that is shared in humans and dogs. Ketosis is apathological condition in which the brain consumes ketone bodies as itsmajor fuel source and is a diagnostic for diabetes mellitus. Forexample, urine abnormally high in ketone bodies is expected after aprolonged fast. However, this metabolic shift is undesirable and alsoleads to severe renal damage if experienced over long periods of time.

Natural products derived from plants and food have frequently been thesource of effective drugs, and in recent years there has been anincreased interest in the analysis of these natural products, especiallywhere a clinical benefit is claimed. For this reason, functionalingredients are often added to pet foods in order to effect a particularmetabolic response. For example, EP 646325A1 describes a pet foodcomprised of at least 30% by weight of indigestible dextrin thatdemonstrates obese-improving effects by controlling blood-sugar levelsand insulin secretion in dogs and cats.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,962,043 teaches jojoba seed meal as a nutritionalsupplement in animal feed, especially companion dogs, to promote weightloss. Simmondsin is described as the active or functional ingredient,that based on previous research, results in an associated reduction infood intake and retardation of growth. These formulations include highfat and high caloric density to ensure palatability.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,204,291 teaches dietary supplementation withL-carnitine, a naturally occurring acid also known asβ-Hydroxy-γ-trimethylaminobutyrate, to dog food to promote weight loss.Carnitine is found in the body and is enzymatically combined with fattyacids to facilitate their transportation through mitochondrialmembranes, thus aiding in fatty acid metabolism (Yalkowsky, S. H.,1970). Oral administration of L-carnitine for obesity in mammals hasbeen described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,994. It also has been implicatedin improvements in myocardial contractility and systolic rhythm incongestive heart failure, it has been administered in cases of cardiacarrythmia (U.S. Pat. No. 3,830,931; U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,241), and it hasbeen used for increasing the level of high density lipoproteins U.S.Pat. No. 4,255,449).

Prior to the present invention, current solutions have not provided acomprehensive approach in addressing the issues of weight management.Most diets simply lower caloric density, increase total carbohydrates byincreasing fiber which leads to reduced palatability, thereby creating adiet that leaves the animal hungry and, sometimes, induces lean muscleloss.

The present invention provides a long-sought after weight managementsystem for companion animals, and in particular obese animals, fortreating and preventing obesity through dietary intervention incompanion animals such as dogs and cats. The present invention alsoincreases the lean body mass of companion animals as well as enhancingthe satiety and decreasing voluntary food intake of an animal.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a comprehensive weight management systemto help optimize the body composition of a domestic animal throughdietary intervention by providing a pet food product comprising about 35to about 70% by weight of a protein, about 4 to about 10% by weight of afat, about 5 to about 25% by weight of a fiber, about 10 to about 35% byweight of a digestible carbohydrate, and about 0.1 to about 1% by weightof a functional ingredient.

An additional object of the invention is a process for producing a petfood product that provides comprehensive weight management in companionanimals by adding about 35 to about 70% by weight of a protein, about 4to about 10% by weight of a fat, about 5 to about 25% by weight of afiber, about 10 to about 35% by weight of a digestible carbohydrate, andabout 0.1 to about 1% by weight of a functional ingredient.

A further object of the present invention is a process of feedingcompanion animals a pet food product that provides comprehensive weightmanagement by comprising about 35 to about 70% by weight of a protein,about 4 to about 10% by weight of a fat, about 5 to about 25% by weightof a fiber, about 10 to about 35% by weight of a digestiblecarbohydrate, and about 0.1 to about 1% by weight of a functionalingredient. The present invention also increases the lean body mass ofcompanion animals, enhances satiety, decreases voluntary food intake andmitigates potential adverse medical risks associated with high proteindiets.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description. It should beunderstood, however, that the detailed description and the specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic ofthe invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages will be better understoodfrom the following description when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, thateach of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration anddescription only and is not intended as a definition of the limits ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and areincluded to further demonstrate certain aspects of the presentinvention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one ormore of these drawings in combination with the detailed description ofspecific embodiments presented herein:

FIG. 1 is a chart illustrating comparative percent body weight changesover time in dogs consuming the inventive diets versus control diets;

FIG. 2 is a chart illustrating the percent change in lean and fat massover time;

FIG. 3 is a chart illustrating the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels ofdogs consuming the inventive diets or control diets over time; and

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating the blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinineratio levels in dogs consuming the inventive diets or control diets overtime.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

The term “functional ingredient” as used herein refers to a compound,naturally occurring or synthetic, that is included in a composition andeffects a preventative and/or therapeutic response by modulatingmetabolism in a manner found to be specific to the compound.

A diacylglyceride is a lipid structurally characterized by a glycerol (athree carbon alcohol) backbone, two fatty acid chains and a phosphategroup. By definition, a 1,2-diacylglyceride comprises fatty acid chainslocated at carbons 1 and 2 and, further, are characterized by a longhydrocarbon molecule such as unsaturated, saturated and conjugatedhydrocarbons. 1,2-diacylglyceride is a precursor to phosphatidylcholine,phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, which areindispensable components of biological membranes. In addition,1,2-diacylglycerides are precursors to triglyceride biosynthesis and,therefore, is central to energy stores of organisms. However,1,3-diacylglycerides are not metabolized to triglyceride and, thus, arenot deposited as fat but rather, burned as energy. 1,3-diacylglyceridediffers structurally from 1,2-diacylglycerides by having an acyl groupat C-3 of the glycerol backbone rather than at C-2. Clinicalinvestigations of obesity have included dietary consumption ofdiacylglycerol and indicated that diacylglycerol lowers serumtriglyceride and cholesterol levels (Takasaka et al., 2000) anddecreases body weight and regional fat deposition (Nagao et al., 2000).Rich natural sources of 1,3-diacylglycerides are vegetable oils, such asEcona oil. However, a synthetic 1,3-diacylglyceride is alsocontemplated. As used herein, the term “diacylglycerol” and,interchangably, “diacylglyceride” refer to a 1,3-diacylglycerol moleculeunless otherwise noted.

A compound, component or composition is said to be “acceptable” if itsadministration can be tolerated by a recipient mammal. Such a componentis said to be administered in an “effective amount” if the amountadministered is physiologically significant. A component isphysiologically significant if its presence results in technical changein the physiology of a recipient mammal. For example, in weightmanagement of companion animals, an agent which slows, hinders, delays,completely treats the disease and/or symptoms of obesity, is consideredeffective.

By body composition, it is meant the total quality of lean, fat and bonein the body. By improved body composition, it is meant that the animalexhibit a greater percentage of lean tissue and a lower percentage ofbody fat energy intake in excess of that utilized for daily activities.

Current weight loss diets for dogs rely on severe calorie restrictionand caloric dilution for effectiveness. The present invention disclosesa high protein diet that includes a functional ingredient for promotingweight loss in obese dogs without utilizing severe calorie restrictionor caloric dilution. The present invention is directed to a weightmanagement system for domestic animals that provides for theoptimization of an animal's body composition through dietaryintervention and a process for producing a pet food product and a petfood product that provides for a comprehensive weight management system.The weight management system includes a pet food product that generallyincludes, on a dry matter basis, about 35 to about 70% by weight of aprotein, about 4 to about 10% by weight of a fat, about 5 to about 25%by weight of a fiber, about 10 to about 35% by weight of a digestiblecarbohydrate, and about 0.1 to about 1% by weight of a functionalingredient.

Feeding companion animals, such as a dog or cat, and alternatively obesedogs and cats, the pet food of the subject invention will help optimizethe body composition of a domestic animal by modulating metabolism andbuilding lean muscle mass. Feeding companion animals the pet food of thesubject invention will also enhance the satiety and decrease voluntaryfood intake of the companion animal. Feeding companion animals the petfood of the subject invention will decrease blood urea nitrogen levels(BUN) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio levels, therebyreducing the risk of kidney damage to the animal.

As is known to one skilled in the art, there are a variety of commonlyknown pet food products. In the area of cat and dog food, there is wetpet food, semi-moist pet food, dry pet food and pet treats and snacks.Drinks for pets are also available such as milk drinks for cats. Wet petfood generally has a moisture content above 65%. Semi-moist pet foodtypically has a moisture content between 20-65% and can includehumectants such as propylene glycol, potassium sorbate, and otheringredients to prevent microbial growth (bacteria and mold). Dry petfood (kibble) generally has a moisture content below 20% and itsprocessing typically includes extruding, drying and/or baking in heat.Pet treats and snacks can typically be semi-moist chewable treats orsnacks; dry treats or snacks in any number of forms; chewable bones;baked, extruded or stamped treats; confection treats/snacks; or otherkinds of treats as is known to one skilled in the art.

A semi-moist pet food product generally includes ingredients such ascereal grains, meats, fats, vitamins, minerals and functionalingredients that are blended together, cooked and packaged. However, anysemi-moist pet food formulation known to one skilled in the art can beused. For example, a pet food of the subject invention can be formed byadding about 35 to about 70% by weight of a protein, about 4 to about10% by weight of a fat, about 5 to about 25% by weight of a fiber, about10 to about 35% by weight of a digestible carbohydrate, and about 0.1 toabout 1% by weight of a functional ingredient. Alternatively, the petfood can be formed by making a first mixture of about 35 to about 70% byweight of a protein, about 4 to about 10% by weight of a fat, about 5 toabout 25% by weight of a fiber, and about 10 to about 35% by weight of adigestible carbohydrate. The functional ingredient is then added to thefirst mixture in about 0.1 to about 1% by weight.

In an example of a dry pet food, the ingredients generally includecereal grains, meats, poultry, fats, vitamins, minerals and otherfunctional ingredients. The components are mixed and put through anextruder/cooker. Thereafter, the product is cut or shaped and dried.After drying, flavors, fats and other functional ingredients can becoated or sprayed onto the dried product. The spray used is of a kindthat is known to one skilled in the art of producing dry pet food.

Although a composition and process for producing a semi-moist pet foodproduct and a dry pet food product has been generally described above,it should be appreciated that any semi-moist pet food composition andprocess or dry pet food composition and process known to one skilled inthe art can be used to produce the pet food product of the subjectinvention.

A wet pet food and pet treats/snacks are produced as is known to oneskilled in the art depending upon the kind of wet pet food product andtreat or snack desired. The procedure for preparing the pet food of thepresent invention depends upon the type of processing required tomanufacture the wet pet food or treat/snack. For example, in semi-moisttreats/snacks, in which the processing temperature usually does notexceed 5 to 70 degrees C., some or all of the components are added tothe treat during processing. However, if the processing temperature ofthe treat generally exceeds 70 degrees C. and a component such as afunctional ingredient displays temperature sensitivity, then thetemperature-sensitive component is coated on the finished product.

In specific embodiments, the about 4 to about 10% by weight of fat canbe provided by a fat that comprises essential long-chain fatty acids.This is particularly desirable in a pet food product for cats.Functional ingredients that modulate metabolism and build lean body massinclude L-carnitine, conjugated linoleic acid and a diacylglyceride, andpreferably include conjugated linoleic acid and diacylglyceride, andmore preferably include a diacylglyceride. A non-limiting example of asource of a diacylglyceride is Econa oil. In a specific embodiment, thediacylglyceride is obtained from a vegetable oil having adiacylglyceride content of about 1% to about 85%. In a preferredspecific embodiment, the diacylglyceride is obtained from a vegetableoil having at least about 5% diacylglyceride content.

A skilled artisan is aware that a pet food product further comprisingvitamins, trace minerals and flavorings, is within the scope of thepresent invention, and is preferred to provide the animal with an entiredaily diet to manage obesity and promote healthy living.

A process for producing the pet food of the subject invention includesthe step of adding about 35 to about 70% by weight of a protein, about 4to about 10% by weight of a fat, about 5 to about 25% by weight of afiber, about 10 to about 35% by weight of a digestible carbohydrate andprocessing a first mixture. The first mixture is then combined withabout 0.1 to about 1% by weight of a functional ingredient to provide aweight management system in which the functional ingredient modulatesmetabolism and builds lean muscle mass. Alternatively, the protein, fat,fiber, digestible carbohydrate and functional ingredient can beprocessed as one mixture.

The process of feeding the companion animal the inventive pet foodproduct will promote comprehensive weight management in the companionanimals, will increase the animal's lean muscle mass, and will enhancethe satiety and decrease the voluntary food intake of the animal.

Thus, as described herein, the present invention provides acomprehensive approach to help optimize the body composition of adomestic animal. The invention targets (i) an induction in adipose (fat)metabolism, (ii) a minimization of muscle wasting that can occur fromlow protein, calorie-restricted diets and (iii) an increase in satietyand maintenance of palatability to reduce behavioral changes (i.e.,begging) which lead to increased caloric consumption and non-complianceto a caloric restricted diet. This system reduces the total energydelivery, induces an increase in fat metabolism, and thus, leaves thepet satiated. This system also reduces the risk of kidney damagepresented by high protein diets by decreasing BUN levels andBUN/creatinine ratio levels in the animal.

EXAMPLE

Five test diets (n=10 obese dogs/diet) were tested for a 12 week period.The five diets included: (1) Control (28% protein); (2)Control+Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA); (3) Control+diacylglycerides(DAG); (4) High protein (50% protein); and (5) High protein+CLA. Dogswere fed at a slight caloric restriction (15% caloric restriction basedon baseline caloric intake) to encourage weight loss. Lean body mass wasdetermined by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) in deuterium oxide(D₂O), and the fat mass was calculated by subtracting the lean body massfrom body weight.

As illustrated in the chart of FIG. 1, the results showed asignificantly greater weight loss in the dogs fed the high protein dietsas compared to the control diet and the other test compound diets, withor without the functional ingredient CLA.

The observed weight loss of the dogs on all five diets is due to asignificant loss of fat mass (FIG. 2) while sparing lean body mass. Thedogs on the following diets: Control+Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA),Control+diacylglycerides (DAG), High protein (50% protein), and (5) Highprotein+CLA, experienced an increase in lean body mass. In contrast, thedogs on the Control diet demonstrated a slight decrease in lean bodymass. Interestingly, the effect of DAG alone on fat mass and lean bodymass indicates its importance as a functional ingredient in a weightmanagement system. Comparing the two high protein diets demonstratesthat the effect of consuming high protein is stronger than the effectobserved with CLA alone on both fat and lean body mass. From theseresults, it is clear that a comprehensive weight management systemincluding high protein, conjugated fatty acids and 1,3-diacylgiyceridesis effective in promoting an increase in lean body mass and a decreasein fat mass.

BUN levels are a direct measure of protein consumption. Dogs fed theHPLC (high protein, low carbohydrate) diet expectedly demonstratedincreased BUN levels (FIG. 3) and increased BUN/creatinine ratio levels(FIG.4). However, the high protein diets comprising conjugated linoleicacid (HPLC+CLA) or a 1,3-diacyglyceride (Econa) maintained normal BUNlevels as compared to the Control dieter levels over the 12 week testperiod. The designations “a”, “b” and “c” indicate significantdifferences between the designated groups (p>0.05) at the time the bloodwas taken. Each diet afforded normal BUN levels, with or without thecorrection for creatinine, for the first half of the testing period.After 6 weeks, dogs fed the HPLC diet demonstrated above normal andsignificantly different BUN/creatinine ratio levels (FIG. 4) as comparedto the CLA, HPLC+CLA and Econa dieters. Similarly, direct measurement ofBUN levels yielded above normal and statistically different levels ascompared to the CLA, HPLC+CLA and Econa fed dogs (FIG. 3).

This unexpected effect of the inventive diets on protein metabolismindicates that potential medical risks associated with high proteindiets are neutralized by co-consumption of the functional ingredients.The reduced risks of renal (e.g kidney) damage and failure byconsumption of the inventive diets is a substantial metabolicimprovement in efforts to prevent and treat obese animals.

A common misconception in treating and preventing obesity in companionanimals is that a drastic reduction in food intake is required. Whenthis occurs, the animals often scavenge and beg for food because of theconstant hunger sensation. As a result of hunger sensations, the animalfinds additional food or pet owners feed the animal in order to stop thebegging, with the result of no weight reduction. In prior art methods,for weigh reduction to occur, the animal's food intake must be decreasedfor a sustained and regular period of time and the animal must beinhibited from constant scavenging and begging, which increases the foodintake. Most pet owners fail in the treatment and prevention of obesityin their pets because they are unable to keep the animal's food intakeat a decreased level for extended periods of time, and they are unableto prevent their animals from scavenging and begging.

The novel weight management system provides a comprehensive approach tohelp optimize the body composition of a domestic animal through dietaryintervention without the side effects associated with prior diets. Thepresent invention targets (i) an induction in adipose (fat) metabolism,(ii) an increase in satiety and maintenance of palatability to reducebehavioral changes (i.e., begging) which lead to increased caloricconsumption, and (iii) a minimization of muscle wasting that can occurfrom low protein, calorie-restricted diets. This weight managementsystem reduces the total energy delivery, induces an increase in fatmetabolism, and thus, leaves the pet satiated. Further, this weightmanagement system mitigates potential adverse effects associated withconsumption of high protein diets.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, thescope of the present application is not intended to be limited to theparticular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, compositionof matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. Asone of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from thedisclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing orlater to be developed that perform substantially the same function orachieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein may be utilized according to the present invention.Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within theirscope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,means, methods, or steps.

REFERENCES

The following references, to the extent that they provide exemplaryprocedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, arespecifically incorporated herein by reference:

-   -   U.S. Pat. No. 3,830,931 issued Aug. 20, 1974.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,241 issued Jul. 6, 1976.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,994 issued May 14, 1974.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,071,544 issued Jun. 6, 2000.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,204,291 issued Mar. 20, 2001.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,994 issued May 14, 1974.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 4,255,449 issued Mar. 10, 1981.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,364 issued Apr. 12, 1988.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,755 issued Aug. 25, 1992.    -   WO 00/51443, publication date Sep. 8, 2000.    -   EP 965278 A1, publication date Dec. 12, 1999.    -   Appleton, D. J., Rand, J. S., Sunvold, G. D. “Feline obesity:        pathogenesis and implications for the risk of diabetes” in        Recent Advances in Canine and Feline Nutrition. Vol. III: 2000        IAMS Nutrition Symposium Proceedings. pp. 81-90.    -   Nobels, F, van Gaal, L., de Leeuw, I. Netherlands Journal of        Medicine, 35: 295-302 (1989).    -   Yalkowsky, S. H., Pharmaceutical Society, 59(6), 798 (1970).    -   Sunvold, G. D. “The role of novel nutrients in managing obesity”        in Recent Advances in Canine and Feline Nutrition. Vol. III:        2000 IAMS Nutrition Symposium Proceedings. pp. 123-133.    -   Bouchard, G. F., Sunvold, G. D. “Effect of dietary carbohydrate        source on postprandial plasma glucose and insulin concentration        in cats” in Recent Advances in Canine and Feline Nutrition. Vol.        III: 2000 IAMS Nutrition Symposium Proceedings. pp. 91-101.    -   Hara, K. et al. “Dietary Diacylglycerol-Dependent Reduction in        Serum Triacylglycerol Concentration in Rats” Ann. Nutr. Metab.,        37, 185-191 (1993).    -   Watanabe H., et al. Nutritional characteristics of        diacylglycerols in rats” J. Japan Oil Chem. Soc., 46, 301-307        (1997).    -   Nagao, T. et al. “Dietary Diacylglycerol suppresses accumulation        of body fat compared to triacylglycerol in men in a double-blind        controlled trial” J. Nutr., 130, 792-797 (2000).

1-57. (canceled)
 58. A pet food product for promoting comprehensiveweight management in a companion animal comprising, on a dry matterbasis, about 35 to about 70% by weight of a protein, about 4 to about10% by weight of a fat, about 5 to about 25% by weight of a fiber, about10 to about 35% by weight of a digestible carbohydrate, and about 0.1 toabout 1% by weight of a functional ingredient, wherein the functionalingredient is a diacylglyceride.
 59. The pet food product of claim 58,wherein said functional ingredient modulates metabolism and builds leanmuscle mass of a companion animal.
 60. The pet food product of claim 58,wherein said functional ingredient enhances the satiety and decreasesthe voluntary food intake of a companion animal.
 61. The pet foodproduct of claim 58, wherein said diacylglyceride is obtained from avegetable oil.
 62. The pet food product of claim 61, wherein thevegetable oil is Econa oil.
 63. The pet food product of claim 58,wherein said companion animal is selected from the group consisting of adog and a cat.
 64. The pet food product of claim 58, wherein said fatcomprises essential long-chain fatty acids.
 65. The pet food product ofclaim 58, wherein comprehensive weight management includes a change inphysiology of a companion animal selected from a group consisting of anincrease in lean body mass, an increase in weight loss, an increase inthe animal's satiety, a decrease in the animal's voluntary food intake,a decrease in blood urea nitrogen levels, and a reduced risk of ketosis.66. The pet food product of claim 58, wherein the pet food product isselected from a group consisting of a wet pet food, a semi-moist petfood, a dry pet food, a pet treat, a pet snack, and a pet drink.
 67. Aprocess for producing a pet food produce for a companion animal, theprocess comprising the step of adding about 35 to about 70% by weight ofa protein, about 4 to about 10% by weight of a fat, about 5 to about 25%by weight of a fiber, about 10 to about 35% by weight of a digestiblecarbohydrate, and about 0.1 to about 1% by weight of a functionalingredient, wherein said functional ingredient is a diacylglyceride. 68.The process of claim 67, wherein said functional ingredient modulatesmetabolism and builds lean muscle mass.
 69. The pet food product ofclaim 67, wherein said functional ingredient enhances the satiety anddecreases the voluntary food intake of a companion animal.
 70. Theprocess of claim 67, wherein said animal is selected from the groupconsisting of a dog and a cat.
 71. The process of claim 67, wherein saidfat comprises essential long-chain fatty acids.
 72. The process of claim67, wherein the pet food product is selected from a group consisting ofa wet pet food, a semi-moist pet food, a dry pet food, a pet treat, apet snack, and a pet drink.
 73. The process of claim 67, wherein saiddiacylglyeride is obtained from a vegetable oil.
 74. The process ofclaim 73, wherein the vegetable is econa oil.